Turnover is the moment your leverage peaks. Once you accept the unit without reservations, visible defects become much harder to get the developer to fix.
What to inspect before you sign
- Hollow tiles and uneven flooring
- Water pressure below the developer's stated spec
- Misaligned doors and cabinetry
- Unfinished or mislabeled electrical outlets
- Floor area that does not match the contract
Photograph everything and attach the photos to your punch list. Ask when your Condominium Certificate of Title will be issued: under PD 957, the developer must deliver the title once the unit is fully paid.
If the developer refuses to repair, a demand letter from a property lawyer can resolve the matter without a formal complaint before the Human Settlements Adjudication Commission (HSAC), which took over the HLURB's disputes.
